'Later,' Hamzah says on opposition leader role

Larut MP Hamzah Zainudin has declined to comment on questions surrounding his status as the parliamentary opposition leader, following his expulsion from Bersatu.

Met by reporters after a briefing on two constitutional amendment bills today, the former Bersatu deputy president only said, “Later”.

Pendang MP Awang Hashim, who was walking alongside Hamzah (above, left), however, said, “I’ll answer that question!”

“We have settled it at the Perikatan Nasional level; other (decisions) will be made later.

“We cannot decide on everything at the same time,” said the PAS MP, referring to a PN extraordinary supreme council meeting yesterday that appointed Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as the coalition’s new chairperson.

Earlier today, Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker Ramli Nor confirmed that Hamzah remains as the opposition leader, as no formal vacancy or dispute notice has been submitted on the position.

Bersatu civil war

Amid an ongoing rift in Bersatu, Hamzah previously claimed he had the support of 18 MPs who are current or former party members, including its parliamentary whip, Beluran MP Ronald Kiandee.

Based on seating arrangements in the Dewan Rakyat, Hamzah’s seat remains next to his “number-one enemy”, Pagoh MP and Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin, who was absent today.

Separately, Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan reiterated that the 18 MPs will continue to support Hamzah to remain as opposition leader.

“I think a decision must be made quickly so there is no doubt or confusion, and no questions arise. 

“I hope it can be resolved within this week, especially during this sitting,” he said.

Wan Saiful noted that while PAS is expected to name its candidate for opposition leader, it is possible for the party to nominate Hamzah to retain the position.

Apart from Bersatu, the opposition bench also comprises 43 PAS lawmakers, one from Muda, and six former Bersatu representatives who were sacked in June 2024 for failing to pledge allegiance to the party.

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